Rae Johnston

Born and raised on Darug & Gundungurra Country, Rae is a proud Wiradjuri woman and award-winning journalist. She hosts ABC’s Download This Show, Sunday Mornings, and iHeartRadio’s Weird Tech. Rae is a board member of the Telstra Foundation and Swinburne University, and has been a trailblazer in the tech and media space – previously as NITV’s Science & Technology Editor and the first Indigenous editor of Junkee. She’s also the host of several acclaimed podcasts and recipient of the Lighting The Way award for advocacy in the Australian games industry.

Lisa Herfert
Partnerships Manager, Google Maps

Lisa is a Partnerships Manager at Google Maps for Australia and New Zealand. She works with a diverse range of partners to support and enhance the platform’s features, including accessibility. With her background in digital marketing and a passion for impactful collaborations, Lisa is excited to share how Google Maps is working to create a more accessible experience for all users.

Dr Tom Tutton
Executive Manager, Aspect Practice

Tom trained as a Clinical Psychologist in the UK and has worked for Aspect for 16 years supporting Autistic people in challenging situations in schools, family homes and communities through direct service, training, writing and research. Tom is passionate about working in partnership with Autistic people to deliver evidence-based supports that develop inclusive environments and communities that work for everyone.

Emma Beardsley (née Gallagher)
Senior Autistic Consultant, Aspect

Emma is a proud Autistic woman who works as a consultant, advocate and researcher with Aspect’s Autism Friendly team. As an Autistic researcher and advocate, Emma provides valued insight and input into a wide range of Aspect projects at all stages. Emma is also a founding member of the Aspect Think Tank, a remunerated group of adults on the autism spectrum who provide advice for Aspect on day-to-day autism practice. Emma is a keen advocate for the rights and needs of Autistic people through sharing her personal journey on the autism spectrum and her expertise in providing support for children of all abilities. Emma holds a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Care.

Craig Smith
Positive Partnerships Manager, Technology and Innovation

Craig Smith is an educator, author, and international speaker passionate about building inclusive communities. With over 20 years in autism and neurodivergent education, he is Manager of Technology and Innovation at Positive Partnerships. Craig has collaborated with inclusive educators globally - with the United Nations in China, education ministries in Dubai and Singapore, and schools across South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia. An Apple Distinguished Educator and TEDx speaker, he explores the role of AI in supporting neurodivergent minds. His platform, The Universal Sandpit, shares free inclusive AI tools with over 10,000 monthly visitors.

You can watch Craig’s TedX speech here “Unlocking Potential: AI for Neurodiverse Minds” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCqCMUAmpuc

Michael Theo
Actor, Podcast Host, Advocate

Michael Theo is an Autistic actor, podcast host, and advocate best known for his breakout role on Love on the Spectrum, where his authenticity and warmth captured hearts around the world. Michael's recent lead performance in the comedy-drama Austin earned widespread acclaim, adding to his growing list of creative achievements. Today, he works at Aspect as an Autistic Consultant, drawing on lived experience to support inclusion and awareness. Diagnosed as a young adult, Michael describes the moment as life-changing, giving him clarity and pride in his identity: “Being Autistic is nothing to be ashamed of. It’s who I am.” Passionate about storytelling, Michael is committed to advancing authentic representation of Autistic people on screen and behind the scenes.

Joanne Tisdell
Principal, Aspect South East Sydney School

Prior to joining Aspect as a class teacher, Joanne taught in both specialist and mainstream primary settings. She holds a Bachelor of Education (with Distinction in Special Education) and a Master of Special Education from Sydney University. Passionate about social skills and communication, Joanne has trained in several evidence-informed programs and embedded them into her teaching. She has lectured at Sydney University and is committed to inclusive education. Joanne now proudly leads Aspect South East Sydney School, one of NSW’s largest special schools, working closely with Sydney Catholic Schools to support autistic students.

Jesse Gaitanis
Student, Aspect South East Sydney School

Jesse is a Stage 6 student at Aspect South East Sydney School, Jesse has also been a SRC member for the school. He enjoys spending time with friends, whether that’s in person or online.

Shahar Burla - Head of Philanthropy & Relationships

Email: sburla@aspect.org.au
Phone: 0406 765 477

Nadine Eulgem - Relationship & Philanthropy Manager

Email: neulgem@aspect.org.au
Phone: 0434 505 930